JP6394234B2 - Liquid ejection apparatus, liquid ejection method, and liquid ejection apparatus program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection method, and a program for the liquid ejection apparatus.

  A system is known in which a liquid is discharged onto an object and adhered. In such a system, a minute foreign substance contained in the liquid may adhere to a wall surface of the liquid flow path or an opening / closing portion that opens and closes the liquid flow path. In particular, when a foreign substance adheres to the opening / closing part, a gap due to the foreign substance is generated when the flow path is closed, which may affect the discharge state.

  With respect to such a problem, the invention described in Patent Document 1 selectively connects the paste and the cleaning liquid, and after the paste application operation is completed, the inside of the paste flow path is cleaned using the cleaning liquid.

  Further, the invention described in Patent Document 2 is provided with two pumps having different discharge capacities, a pump having a low discharge capability is used during normal application, and a pump having a high discharge capability is used during cleaning, thereby cleaning the coating head. I do.

JP 2001-239196 A JP 2006-61872 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to switch the connection to the cleaning liquid when cleaning is performed, cleaning is performed during intermittent coating in which liquid is discharged by opening and closing the on-off valve at high speed. It is not possible.

  Moreover, since it is necessary for the invention of patent document 2 to switch a flow path and to operate and stop two pumps, it takes time until the liquid reaches a desired pressure. For this reason, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, when the flow path is switched at high speed, the liquid may not be appropriately discharged.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection method, and a program for a liquid ejection apparatus capable of solving the above-described problems and removing attached foreign matter without affecting the liquid ejection. is there.

  The liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention is a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects liquid onto an object, an opening / closing means that opens and closes the flow path of the liquid, a driving state detection means that detects position information of the opening / closing means, and a detection Based on the position information, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the opening and closing means, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, so that the flow rate of the liquid becomes the first flow rate, When the driving method of the opening / closing means is determined and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the driving method of the opening / closing means is set so that the flow rate of the liquid becomes a second flow rate larger than the first flow rate. Driving method determining means for determining

  The liquid discharge method of the present invention is a liquid discharge method for discharging a liquid to an object, and opens and closes the flow path of the liquid by changing a distance between a valve body and a valve seat, and position information of the valve body And determining whether or not foreign matter is attached to the valve body or the valve seat based on the detected positional information of the valve body, and if it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, When the opening / closing drive method is determined so that the flow rate becomes the first flow rate, and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the flow rate of the liquid becomes a second flow rate larger than the first flow rate. Thus, the opening / closing driving method is determined.

  The program of the liquid ejection device according to the present invention includes: a computer of a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid to an object; an opening / closing process for opening and closing the flow path of the liquid by changing a distance between a valve body and a valve seat; Based on the drive state detection process for detecting the position information of the valve body and the detected position information of the valve body, it is determined whether or not a foreign object is attached to the valve body or the valve seat, and the foreign object is attached. If it is determined that the liquid flow rate is equal to the first flow rate, a driving method in the opening / closing process is determined. If it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the liquid flow rate is the first flow rate. And a driving method determination process for determining a driving method in the opening / closing process so as to be a second flow velocity larger than the first flow velocity.

  The liquid ejection apparatus, the liquid ejection method, and the program for the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention have an effect that the adhered foreign matter can be removed without affecting the liquid ejection.

1 is a block configuration diagram of a liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The block block diagram of the liquid discharge apparatus 1B of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The detailed internal structural example of the opening-and-closing means 101B and the opening-and-closing means 101C of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The drive example of the opening-and-closing means 101B and the opening-and-closing means 101C of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The drive example of the opening-and-closing means 101B and the opening-and-closing means 101C of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The drive example of the valve body 1011B and the valve body 1011C of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The block block diagram of the driving method determination means 103 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. An example of the force added to the foreign material 113 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The perspective view of the foreign material 113 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. The drive example of the valve body 1011B and the valve body 1011C when a foreign material adheres to the valve body 1011B in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The drive example of the valve body 1011B and the valve body 1011C when a foreign material adheres to the valve body 1011C in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. An example of the valve body position information input into the driving method determination means 103 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown. An example of the flowchart of the operation example of the drive method determination means 103 in the case of determining whether the foreign material of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention adhered is shown. An example of the flowchart of the operation example of the drive method determination means 103 in the case of determining whether the foreign material of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was removed is shown. The other example of the valve body position information input into the drive method determination means 103 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an opening / closing means 101, a driving state detecting means 102, and a driving method determining means 103.

  The opening / closing means 101 opens and closes the liquid flow path. For example, the opening / closing means 101 opens and closes a flow path leading to a liquid output means that discharges liquid to an object and a flow path leading to a liquid storage means that stores liquid. The opening / closing means 101 is driven to open / close by a predetermined driving means, for example.

  The driving state detection unit 102 detects position information of the opening / closing unit 101. For example, the driving state detection unit 102 detects position information such as a valve body and a valve seat of the opening / closing unit 101.

  Based on the position information detected by the driving state detection unit 102, the driving method determination unit 103 determines whether or not foreign matter is attached to the opening and closing unit 101. If it is determined that no foreign matter is attached, When the driving method of the opening / closing means 101 is determined so that the flow rate becomes the first flow rate, and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the flow rate of the liquid becomes the second flow rate larger than the first flow rate. Thus, the driving method of the opening / closing means 101 is determined.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The opening / closing means 101 opens and closes the liquid flow path (S101).

  The drive state detection means 102 detects the position information of the opening / closing means 101 (S102).

  Based on the position information detected by the driving state detection unit 102, the driving method determination unit 103 determines whether or not foreign matter has adhered to the opening and closing unit 101. If it is determined that no foreign matter has adhered, When the driving method of the opening / closing means 101 is determined so that the first flow rate becomes the first flow rate, and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the flow rate of the liquid becomes the second flow rate larger than the first flow rate. Next, the driving method of the opening / closing means 101 is determined (S103).

Therefore, the liquid ejection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can remove the attached foreign matter without affecting the liquid ejection.
<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment.

  The liquid ejection apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment includes a liquid storage unit 104, a liquid supply unit 105, an opening / closing unit 101B, an opening / closing unit 101C, a liquid output unit 106, driving units 107B and 107C, and a driving state detection. Means 102B and 102C, a driving method determining means 103, and flow paths 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 are provided.

  The liquid storage means 104 stores the liquid discharged by the liquid output means 106 described later.

  The liquid supply means 105 supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage means 104 to the opening / closing means 101B and the opening / closing means 101C described later. The liquid supply means 105 is connected to the liquid storage means 104 by the flow path 108, and the liquid flows from the liquid storage means 104 to the liquid supply means 105 via the flow path 108. Then, the liquid supply means 105 supplies the liquid toward the opening / closing means 101B and 101C via the flow path 109. The liquid supply means 105 is composed of, for example, a pump.

  The opening / closing means 101 </ b> B opens and closes a liquid flow path leading to the liquid output means 106 described later, and controls supply of the liquid to the liquid output means 106. More specifically, the opening / closing means 101B opens the flow path so that the liquid is supplied to the liquid output means 106 via the flow path 110 and the flow path 111 when the liquid output means 106 discharges the liquid to the object. . Further, the opening / closing means 101B closes the flow path so that the liquid is not supplied to the liquid output means 106 via the flow path 110 and the flow path 111 when the liquid output means 106 does not discharge the liquid to the object. The opening / closing means 101B is connected to a driving means 107B described later by a predetermined electric wire or the like, and the opening / closing thereof is controlled by the driving means 107B.

  The opening / closing means 101 </ b> C opens and closes the liquid flow path 112 leading to the liquid storage means 104 and controls the supply of the liquid to the liquid storage means 104. More specifically, the opening / closing means 101C closes the flow path so that the liquid is not supplied to the liquid storage means 104 via the flow path 112 when the liquid output means 106 discharges the liquid to the object. In addition, the opening / closing means 101C opens the flow path so that the liquid is supplied to the liquid storage means 104 via the flow path 112 when the liquid output means 106 does not discharge the liquid to the object. The opening / closing means 101C is connected to a driving means 107C described later by a predetermined electric wire or the like, and the opening / closing thereof is controlled by the driving means 107C.

  The driving unit 107B controls the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing unit 101B. The driving means 107B is connected to the driving method determining means 103 by a predetermined electric wire or the like, and the driving method is controlled by the driving method determining means 103. For example, the driving unit 107B is configured by a motor, an air cylinder, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

  The driving unit 107C controls the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing unit 101C. The driving means 107C is connected to the driving method determining means 103 by a predetermined electric wire or the like, and the driving method is controlled by the driving method determining means 103. For example, the driving unit 107C is configured by a motor, an air cylinder, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 4 is an example showing in more detail the internal configuration of the opening / closing means 101B and the opening / closing means 101C. The opening / closing means 101B includes a valve body 1011B, a valve seat 1012B, and a valve shaft 1013B. The opening / closing means 101C has the same configuration as the opening / closing means 101B, and includes a valve body 1011C, a valve seat 1012C, and a valve shaft 1013C.

  One end of the valve shaft 1013B is provided with a valve body 1011B, and the other end of the valve shaft 1013B is connected to the driving means 107B.

  The valve shaft 1013B is driven by the driving means 107B, and opens and closes the flow path of the liquid supplied from the flow path 110 to the flow path 111 when the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B approach or separate from each other. That is, the position of the valve body 1011B connected to the valve shaft 1013B moves up and down by driving of the driving means 107B, and approaches or separates from the valve seat 1012B. When the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B are separated from each other, the liquid supplied to the opening / closing means 101B passes through the gap and flows to the liquid output means 106 via the flow path 111.

  Further, a valve body 1011C is provided at one end of the valve shaft 1013C of the opening / closing means 101C, and the other end of the valve shaft 1013C is connected to the driving means 107C.

  The valve shaft 1013C is driven by the driving means 107C and opens and closes the flow path of the liquid supplied from the flow path 109 to the flow path 112 by performing the same operation as the valve body 1011B. That is, the position of the valve body 1011C connected to the valve shaft 1013C is moved up and down by driving of the driving means 107C, and is close to or separated from the valve seat 1012C. When the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C are separated from each other, the liquid supplied to the opening / closing means 101C passes through the gap and flows to the liquid storage means 104 via the flow path 112.

  The opening / closing means 101B and the opening / closing means 101C operate in cooperation depending on whether the liquid output means 106 discharges liquid or does not discharge liquid. An operation example of the opening / closing means 101B and the opening / closing means 101C will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the liquid output means 106 discharges liquid, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve body 1011C of the opening / closing means 101C is completely in contact with the valve seat 1012C, and is supplied from the flow path 109 communicating with the liquid supply means 105. Since the liquid cannot flow in the flow path 112 leading to the liquid storage means 104, it flows in the direction of the flow path 110, that is, in the direction of the opening / closing means 101B. When the liquid output means 106 discharges liquid, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve body 1011B of the opening / closing means 101B is separated from the valve seat 1012B, and the liquid flowing from the opening / closing means 101C 110, further passing through the gap between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B of the opening / closing means 101B, and supplied to the liquid output means 106 via the flow path 111 leading to the liquid output means 106.

  When the liquid output means 106 does not discharge the liquid, as shown in FIG. 6, the valve body 1011B of the opening / closing means 101B is completely in contact with the valve seat 1012B and flows from the flow path 110 communicating with the opening / closing means 101C. Since the liquid cannot flow to the flow path 111 communicating with the liquid output means 106 through the opening / closing means 101B, the liquid is not discharged. When the liquid output means 106 does not discharge liquid, the valve body 1011C of the opening / closing means 101C is separated from the valve seat 1012C and flows from the flow path 109 communicating with the liquid supply means 105, as shown in FIG. The liquid passes through the gap between the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C of the opening / closing means 101C, flows through the flow path 112 leading to the liquid storage means 104, and is returned to the liquid storage means 104. The liquid returned to the liquid storage means 104 is supplied again by the liquid supply means 105 toward the opening / closing means 101B and the opening / closing means 101C, and continues to circulate while maintaining the flow rate until ejection to the object.

  FIG. 7 shows a driving example of the valve body 1011B of the opening / closing means 101B and the valve body 1011C of the opening / closing means 101C when no foreign matter is attached. In FIG. 7, “open” indicates a state (position) in which the position of the valve body is separated from the valve seat by the maximum distance, and “closed” indicates a state in which the position of the valve body is completely in contact with the valve seat ( Position). That is, when the valve body position is “open”, the amount of liquid passing through the valve body and the valve seat becomes the maximum amount. As shown in FIG. 7, when opening the flow path, the valve body 1011B and the valve body 1011C move from the “closed” position to the “open” position in a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid output means 106 does not discharge the liquid during the period D1 in which the valve body 1011B is closed and the valve body 1011C is open. A driving method of the driving means 107B and 107C for driving the opening / closing means 101B and 101C in this way (hereinafter, the driving method of the driving means when no foreign matter is attached is referred to as a normal driving method) is described below in advance. It is assumed that it is registered in the method determining means 103. In the initial state of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B, the driving units 107B and 107C are driven by a normal driving method.

  The driving state detection unit 102B detects the position of the valve body 1011B based on the driving state of the driving unit 107B, and outputs the detected position information of the valve body 1011B to the driving method determination unit 103 described later. For example, the driving state detection unit 102B detects the position of the valve body 1011B when the liquid passage is closed by the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B driven by the driving means 107B, and sends the valve to the driving method determination means 103. The position information of the body 1011B is output. For example, the driving state detection unit 102B may be configured to acquire the current position (encoder value) stored by the motor of the driving unit 107B or to detect the position of the valve body 1011B using a sensor. The driving state detection unit 102C detects the states of the opening / closing unit 101C and the driving unit 107C. Since the driving state detection unit 102C performs the same operation as the driving state detection unit 102B, description thereof is omitted. Note that the driving state detection means 102B and 102C may be constituted by a single driving state detection means.

  The driving method determination unit 103 determines the driving method of the driving units 107B and 107C based on the position information of the valve body input from the driving state detection units 102B and 102C. More specifically, the driving method determining means 103 determines whether foreign matter has adhered to the valve body 1011B, the valve seat 1012B, the valve body 1011C, and the valve seat 1012C based on the input position information of the valve body, Based on the determination result, the driving method of the driving means 107B and 107C is determined. Details of the driving method determination unit 103 will be described later.

  The liquid output means 106 discharges the liquid supplied through the flow path 111 to an object not shown.

  Next, the driving method determining means 103 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 shows a block configuration diagram of the driving method determining means 103. The driving method determination unit 103 includes an input unit 1031, a storage unit 1032, an output unit 1033, and a determination unit 1034.

  The input unit 1031 receives the position information of the valve bodies 1011B and 1011C output from the driving state detection units 102B and 102C, respectively.

  The storage unit 1032 stores the position information of the valve body received by the input unit 1031 and the received time information in association with each other. Here, as the received time information, for example, information received from a timing unit (not shown) of the driving method determination unit 103 may be used, or the input unit 1031 receives the time information from the driving state detection units 102B and 102C in the above position. It may be received with information and used. In addition, the storage unit 1032 stores a threshold used when the determination unit 1034 described later determines whether or not a foreign object is attached. The storage means 1032 includes a normal driving method shown in FIG. 7 and a driving method of the driving means for increasing the fluid pressure by increasing the liquid flow rate when foreign matter to be described later is attached (hereinafter referred to as foreign matter removing method). Is referred to in advance). The storage unit 1032 may be configured with, for example, a hard disk. In the above example, the driving method determination unit 103 includes the storage unit 1032. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the liquid ejection unit 1B may include the storage unit 1032.

  The output unit 1033 reads out the driving method determined by the determination unit 1034 described later from the storage unit 1032 and outputs it to the driving units 107B and 107C.

  The determination means 1034 is driven based on the position information of the valve body received by the input means 1031, the position information of the valve body stored in the storage means 1032, and the time information when the position information of the valve body is received. The driving method of the means 107B and 107C is determined.

  A more detailed operation example of the determination unit 1034 will be described.

  Note that the determination unit 1034 determines whether foreign matter is attached and determines the driving method when the input unit 1031 receives the position information of the valve body. In addition, when it is determined that the foreign matter has adhered, the determination unit 1034 determines whether the foreign matter has been removed and determines the driving method when the input unit 1031 receives the position information of the valve body. Do.

  The determination unit 1034 calculates a valve body position difference based on the position information received by the input unit 1031 this time and the past position information stored in the storage unit 1032, and calculates the valve body 1011 </ b> B, the valve body 1011 </ b> C, It is determined whether foreign matter has adhered to the seat 1012B and the valve seat 1012C. When foreign matter adheres to the valve body 1011B, the valve body 1011C, the valve seat 1012B, and the valve seat 1012C, the position of the valve body changes by the thickness of the foreign matter when the flow path is closed. Based on the change in the position of the valve body due to the foreign object when the flow path is closed, the determination unit 1034 determines that the foreign object is the valve body 1011B, the valve body 1011C, and the valve seat 1012B when the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is determined that the valve seat 1012C is attached. The predetermined threshold value may be determined based on, for example, the position of the valve body in which the liquid ejecting apparatus 1 operates normally (that is, the liquid can be ejected appropriately).

  If the determination unit 1034 determines that no foreign matter is attached based on the determination method, the determination unit 1034 determines the drive method so as to maintain the normal drive method. On the other hand, when it is determined that foreign matter is attached, the determination unit 1034 changes the driving method of the driving unit 107B and the driving unit 107C from the normal driving method for removing the foreign matter stored in the storage unit 1032. Change to the driving method. Details of the driving method for removing foreign matter will be described later.

  In addition, after changing to the driving method for removing foreign matter (that is, after determining that foreign matter is attached), the determination unit 1034 determines the position of the valve body immediately before determining that foreign matter is attached. Then, the difference from the position of the valve body input after the change of the driving method is calculated, and when this value becomes smaller than the above-described threshold value, it is determined that the foreign matter has been removed. If it is determined that the foreign matter has been removed, the determination unit 1034 changes the drive method of the drive units 107B and 107C from the drive method for removing foreign matter to the normal drive method. If it is determined that the foreign matter has not been removed, the determination unit 1034 determines the drive method so as to maintain the drive method for removing the foreign matter.

  Further, when it is determined that no foreign matter is attached and the normal driving method is maintained, the determination unit 1034 uses the determination method described above based on the position information of the valve element to be input next, It is determined whether or not a foreign substance has adhered, and a driving method is determined. If it is determined that the foreign matter has not been removed and the driving method for removing the foreign matter is maintained, the determination unit 1034 uses the determination method described above based on the position information of the valve element that is input next. Then, it is determined whether or not the foreign matter has been removed, and the driving method is determined.

  Next, a driving method for removing foreign matter will be described in detail.

  First, the force acting on the foreign matter attached to the valve seat will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, although FIG. 9 demonstrates the valve seat 1012B, it is the same also in the valve seat 1012C. The same applies when foreign matter adheres to the valve body 1011B or the valve body 1011C.

  In FIG. 9, it is assumed that the upper surface of the valve seat 1012B is perpendicular to the direction in which gravity acts, and the foreign object 113 is attached to the upper surface of the valve seat 1012B. The shape of the foreign matter 113 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and each surface of the foreign matter 113 is assumed to be perpendicular or horizontal to the direction in which the liquid flows.

  At this time, a force 114 that works due to the dynamic pressure of the liquid, a force 115 that works in the valve seat direction, and a frictional force 116 act on the foreign matter 113. The force 115 acting in the valve seat direction includes a force due to gravity, a force that the foreign material 113 adheres to the valve seat, and a force due to the static pressure of the liquid.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the liquid flows from the right to the left, the force 114 exerted by the dynamic pressure of the liquid acts from the right side to the left side in FIG. 9, and the frictional force 116 is the left side in FIG. Work from right to left. At this time, it is considered that the foreign substance 113 attached to the valve seat 1012B can be removed from the valve seat 1012B when the force 114 acting by the dynamic pressure of the liquid becomes larger than the frictional force 116.

Here, the force 114 acting by dynamic pressure of the liquid and _{F 1.} Since the sum of the dynamic pressure and the static pressure in the liquid is constant, the flow velocity of the liquid is v, the pressure applied by the liquid to the outside is p, the pressure of the liquid when the flow velocity is 0 is p ₀ , and the density of the liquid is ρ Then
_{^{ρv 2/2 + p = p}} 0 ··· (1)
It becomes. Here, the first term on the left side of Equation (1) is the dynamic pressure.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, _{S 1} the surface area 117 of the foreign matter 113 with respect to the direction of flow of the liquid, the surface area 118 of the foreign matter 113 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the liquid is defined as _{S 2,} the dynamic pressure of the liquid force _{F 1} to work is,
F ₁ = ρv ² S _1/2 (2)
It becomes.

Returning to FIG. 9, if the force 115 acting in the valve seat direction is F ₂ , the friction force 116 is F _3, and the friction coefficient acting between the valve seat 1012B and the foreign material 113 is μ, the friction force F ₃ is
F ₃ = μF ₂ (3)
It becomes.

Here, the weight of the foreign matter 113 m, the gravitational acceleration g, when the adhesive strength per unit area acting on the foreign matter 113 and F _E, the force F ₂ acting on the valve seat direction, from FIGS. 9 and 10,
F ₂ = mg + F _E S ₂ + pS ₂ (4)
It becomes. By substituting equation (4) into equation (3), the frictional force F ₃ is F ₃ = μ (mg + F _E S ₂ + pS ₂ ) (3) ′
It becomes.

In FIG. 9, since it is considered that the foreign substance 113 can be removed when F ₁ > F ₃ , from Equation (2) and Equation (3) ′,
_{^{ρv 2 S 1/2-μpS}} 2> μ (mg + F E S 2) ··· (5)
Get.

Furthermore, substituting equation (1) for the pressure p applied to the outside by the liquid in equation (5),
^{_{ρ (S 1 + μS 2)}} v 2> 2μ (mg + F E S 2 + p 0 S 2) ··· (6)
Get.

In equation (6), the gravitational acceleration g is a constant. Further, the density ρ of the liquid is a value determined by the structure of the liquid, and the friction coefficient μ is a value determined by the material and surface state of the valve seat 1012B. The pressure p ₀ is determined by the structure of the liquid and flow path, F _E, S ₁ and S ₂ is a value determined by the foreign object 113, it is difficult to change the value in the liquid discharge apparatus 1B in operation.

  Therefore, the liquid ejection apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment removes the foreign matter 113 so as to satisfy Expression (6) by controlling the flow velocity v of the liquid. That is, when it is determined that the foreign material 113 has adhered, the driving method determination unit 103 determines the driving method of the driving unit 107B and the driving unit 107C as a foreign material removal driving method that controls the liquid flow rate.

  An example of a driving method for removing foreign matter will be described in detail. When the liquid supply capability of the liquid supply unit 105 is sufficient, the liquid discharge apparatus 1B of the present embodiment controls the drive of the drive units 107B and 107C to narrow the interval between the valve body and the valve seat. Thus, the liquid operates when the liquid flows near the valve body and the valve seat.

  FIG. 11 shows a driving example of the valve body 1011B and the valve body 1011C when the foreign object 113 adheres to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B. In FIG. 11, a portion indicated by a thick line is a portion in which the driving method is changed from a normal driving method (a portion indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 11). In the following description, the case where the foreign matter 113 adheres to the valve body 1011B will be described, but the same applies to the case where the foreign matter adheres to the valve seat 1012B.

  When the driving method determining means 103 determines that foreign matter has adhered to the valve body 1011B, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B is narrower than in the normal driving method. As described above, a section D2 in which the driving unit 107B is driven is provided. That is, in the section D2, the driving means 107B reduces the driving speed of the valve body 1011B as compared with the normal driving method. After passing the section D2, the driving means 107B is arranged so that the position of the valve body 1011B at the time T1 when the separating operation of the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B is completed is the same position as in the normal driving method. To drive. That is, the driving means 107B increases the driving speed of the valve body 1011B so that the position of the valve body 1011B becomes the “open” position at time T1. As shown in FIG. 11, the driving speed of the valve body 1011B in the section D2 is slower than the driving speed in the normal driving method, and the driving speed of the valve body 1011B after the section D2 is the normal driving speed. It becomes faster than the driving speed in the driving method.

  At the same time, with respect to the valve body 1011C, the driving means 107C is set so that the ratio of the distance between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B and the distance between the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C is equal to that in the normal driving method. Drive. That is, in the section D2, the driving means 107C increases the driving speed of the valve body 1011C, and the ratio of the distance between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B and the distance between the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C is normal. It drives so that it may become equal to the drive method of. When the section D2 is passed, the driving means 107C determines that the position of the valve body 1011C becomes the “closed” position at the time T1, the interval between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B, and the valve body 1011C. And the valve seat 1012C are driven such that the ratio of the distance between them and the valve seat 1012C is equal to the normal driving method.

  Similarly, when foreign matter adheres to the valve body 1011C, as shown in FIG. 12, in the driving method for removing foreign matter, the distance between the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C is larger than that in the normal driving method. A narrowed section D3 is provided. That is, in the section D3, the driving means 107C reduces the driving speed of the valve body 1011C as compared with the normal driving method. After passing the section D3, the driving means is driven so that the position of the valve body 1011C at the time T2 when the separating operation of the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C is completed becomes the same position as in the normal driving method. To do. That is, the driving means 107C increases the driving speed of the valve body 1011C so that the position of the valve body 1011C becomes the “open” position at time T2. As shown in FIG. 11, the driving speed of the valve body 1011C in the section D3 is slower than the driving speed in the normal driving method, and the driving speed of the valve body 1011C after the section D3 is normal. It becomes faster than the driving speed in the driving method.

  At the same time, with respect to the valve body 1011B, the driving means 107B so that the ratio of the distance between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B and the distance between the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C is equal to that in the normal driving method. Drive. That is, in the section D3, the driving means 107B increases the driving speed of the valve body 1011B, and the ratio of the distance between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B and the distance between the valve body 1011C and the valve seat 1012C is normal. It drives so that it may become equal to the drive method of. When the section D3 is passed, the driving unit 107B determines that the position of the valve body 1011B becomes the “closed” position at time T2, the distance between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B, and the valve body 1011C. And the valve seat 1012C are driven such that the ratio of the distance between them and the valve seat 1012C is equal to the normal driving method.

  By driving the driving means based on such a foreign matter removal driving method, the opening / closing means 101B and the opening / closing means 101C pass through the valve body or the valve seat to which foreign matter has adhered without greatly changing the liquid pressure ratio. It is possible to increase the flow rate of the liquid to be discharged. That is, the liquid ejection apparatus 1B of the present embodiment can remove the foreign material 113 without greatly changing the amount of liquid ejected to the target.

  Next, a specific example in the case of removing the foreign matter 113 will be shown.

Rearranging equation (6),
_{^{v 2> 2μ (mg + F}} E S 2 + p 0 S 2) / ρ (S 1 + μS 2) ··· (6) '
Get.

Here, μ = 0.5, g = 9.8 [m / s ² ], ρ = 2.2 × 10 ³ [kg / m ³ ], S ₁ = 5.0 × 10 ⁻¹⁰ [m ² ] , S ₂ = 2.5 × 10 ⁻⁹ [m ² ], m = 5.5 × 10 ⁻¹¹ [kg], F _E = 1.0 × 10 ⁵ [N / m ² ], p ₀ = 1. It is set to 0 × 10 ⁴ [N / m ² ]. In the example of driving by the normal driving method shown in FIG. 7, the liquid flow velocity v in the period corresponding to the period D2 in FIG. 11 is 4.0 [m / s]. In addition, the above [] shows the unit, m: meter, s: second, kg: kilogram, N: Newton.

When each of the above values is substituted into Expression (6) ′, the right side of Expression (6) ′ is approximately 71.4 and the left side is v ² = 16, and therefore Expression (6) ′ is not satisfied. Therefore, the foreign matter 113 attached to the valve body or the valve seat cannot be removed under the above conditions.

  On the other hand, for example, when v = 10 [m / s], the left side of Expression (6) ′ is 100, and Expression (6) ′ is established.

  In the liquid ejection apparatus 1B of the present embodiment, since the flow path is constant, the product of the area of the flow path and the flow velocity is a constant value. For this reason, in the liquid ejection device 1B of the present embodiment, the interval between the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B in the period D2 shown in FIG. The driving means 107B can be driven so as to be doubled (that is, the area of the flow path near the valve body and the valve seat is approximately 0.4 times). In this case, the flow velocity v of the liquid in the section D2 is 4 / 0.4 = 10 [m / s], and the liquid ejection apparatus 1B is attached to the valve body or the valve seat in order to satisfy the above formula (6) ′. Foreign matter can be removed. The same applies when the foreign object 113 adheres to the valve body 1011C or the valve seat 1012C.

  Next, a method for determining whether or not foreign matter has adhered and a method for determining the driving method by the driving method determining means 103 will be described using a specific example.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the position information of the valve body 1011B input from the drive state detection unit 102B to the drive method determination unit 103 for each time information when the position information is received. In the following description, an example of position information of the valve body 1011B detected by the driving state detection unit 102B will be described, but the same applies to the driving state detection unit 102C and the valve body 1011C.

  As described above, the driving method determining means 1B of the present embodiment determines whether or not the foreign material 113 has adhered based on the position information of the valve body 1011B when the flow path is closed by the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B. Therefore, the position information of the valve body 1011B shown in FIG. 13 is the position information of the valve body 1011B when the flow path is closed. In FIG. 13, the time when the n-th input is performed from the drive state detection unit 102B is represented as T (n), and the position of the valve body 1011B at the time T (n) is represented as P (n).

In FIG. 13, the position of the input valve body 1011B is P1 until time T (n−1), while the position of the valve body 1011B changes to P2 at time T (n). Then, after the state where the position of the valve body 1011B is P2 continues until time T (n + 4), the position of the valve body 1011B after time T (n + 5) returns to P1 again, and the state continues. In the following description, the threshold used for determination is _PTH, and P2−P1 ≧ _PTH .

  First, a method for determining whether or not foreign matter is attached will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The driving method determination unit 103 stores the position information P (n) input from the driving state detection unit 102B at a certain time T (n) and the position stored in the storage unit 1032 and input immediately before P (n). The difference Δ (n) = P (n) −P (n−1) from the information P (n−1) is calculated. When the calculated Δ (n) is larger than the threshold value P _TH (P _TH is a positive value) stored in the storage means, the driving method determination means 103 causes the foreign object 113 to be attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B. Is determined to be attached. The threshold value P _TH may be determined according to parameters at the time of designing the liquid ejection apparatus 1B, the size of the foreign matter 113 assumed to be attached, and the like.

In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, at time T (n−2), the driving method determination unit 103 determines that the difference Δ (n−2) = P (n−2) −P (n−3) = P1−. P1 = 0 is calculated. In this case, since the difference Δ (n-2) = 0 <P TH, the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the foreign object 113 is not attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B. Since the time to T (n-1) becomes Δ = 0 _{<P TH,} the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the foreign object 113 is not attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B. When it is determined that no foreign matter is attached, the driving method determination unit 103 determines to maintain the normal driving method.

Further, at time T (n) in FIG. 13, the driving method determination unit 103 calculates Δ (n) = P2−P1, and the calculated Δ (n) satisfies Δ (n) ≧ _PTH . The driving method determining means 103 determines that the foreign object 113 is attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B at the time T (n). When it is determined that the foreign object 113 has adhered, the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the driving method of the driving unit 107B and the driving unit 107C is changed to a driving method for removing the foreign substance, and the driving unit 107B and the driving unit 107C are notified to that effect. Notice.

  Next, a method for determining whether or not the foreign material 113 has been removed will be described in detail.

After determining that the foreign object 113 is attached, at time T (n + 1), the driving method determining unit 103 determines a time T (n−1) immediately before the time T (n) when determining that the foreign object 113 is attached. ), And Δ (n + 1) = P2−P1 ≧ _PTH is calculated based on the valve body position P (n−1) at time T (n + 1) and the valve body position P (n + 1) input at time T (n + 1). It is determined that it has not been removed. When it is determined that the foreign object 113 has not been removed, the driving method determination unit 103 determines to maintain the driving method for removing the foreign object.

In addition, after determining that the foreign object 113 is attached, at time T (n + 5), the driving method determining unit 103 determines a time T (n) immediately before the time T (n) when determining that the foreign object 113 is attached. −1) and the valve body position P (n + 5) input at time T (n + 5) and Δ (n + 5) = P1−P1 = 0 <P _TH Calculate and determine that foreign matter 113 has been removed. When it is determined that the foreign object 113 has been removed, the driving method determining unit 103 determines to change from the driving method for removing the foreign object to the normal driving method.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the driving method determination unit 103 in the case where it is determined whether or not the foreign object 113 has adhered and the driving method is determined. In the following description, the case where the foreign matter 113 adheres to the valve body 1011B of the opening / closing means 101B will be described. Perform the action. In the liquid ejection apparatus 1B, it is assumed that the driving method of the driving units 107B and 107C is initially set to the normal driving method.

  The input unit 1031 receives the position information of the valve body 1011B output from the driving state detection unit 102B when the flow path is closed by the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B. The input unit 1031 transmits the received position information to the storage unit 1032 and the determination unit 1034 (S201).

  The determination unit 1034 calculates the difference between the position information received by the input unit 1031 in S201 and the position information stored in the storage unit 1032 and received immediately before the position information received in S201 (S202). Is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (S203).

  When the calculated difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (S203, YES), the determination unit 1034 determines that the foreign object 113 has adhered to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B, and determines the drive method of the drive unit 107B and the drive unit 107C. The driving method for removing foreign substances is determined (S204). The output unit 1033 notifies the drive unit 107B and the drive unit 107C of the drive method for removing foreign matter determined by the determination unit 1034.

  When the calculated difference is smaller than the predetermined threshold (S203, NO), the determination unit 1034 determines that no foreign matter is attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B, and determines the driving method of the driving unit 107B and the driving method 107C. The normal driving method is maintained (S205).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the driving method determination unit 103 when it is determined whether or not the foreign material 113 has been removed and the driving method is determined. In the following, the case where the foreign matter 113 adheres to the valve body 1011B of the opening / closing means 101B will be described.

  The input unit 1031 receives the position information of the valve body 1011B output from the driving state detection unit 102B when the flow path is closed by the valve body 1011B and the valve seat 1012B. The input unit 1031 transmits the received position information to the storage unit 1032 and the determination unit 1034 (S301).

  The determination unit 1034 calculates a difference between the position information received by the input unit 1031 in S301 and the position information stored in the storage unit 1032 and immediately before it is determined that the foreign object 113 has adhered (S302). It is determined whether or not the predetermined threshold value is exceeded (S303).

  When the calculated difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold (S303, YES), the determination unit 1034 determines that the foreign matter 113 attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B has not been removed, and the drive unit 107B and the drive unit 107C The drive method is maintained as the drive method for removing foreign matter (S304).

  When the calculated difference is smaller than the predetermined threshold (NO in S303), the determination unit 1034 determines that the foreign matter 113 attached to the valve body 1011B or the valve seat 1012B has been removed, and the driving method of the driving unit 107B and the driving method 107C. Is determined as the normal driving method (S305). The output unit 1033 notifies the driving unit 107B and the driving unit 107C of the normal driving method determined by the determining unit 1034.

  If the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the foreign matter 113 has not been removed, the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the foreign matter 113 cannot be removed by the driving method for foreign matter removal currently set in the driving units 107B and 107C. Instead of the current driving method for removing foreign matter, the driving method may be changed to a driving method that further increases the liquid flow rate. For example, when it is determined that the foreign matter has not been removed, the driving method determination unit 103 selects a driving method that further increases the flow rate of the liquid stored in the storage unit 1032 and drives the driving units 107B and 107C. .

  Further, in consideration of the possibility that the foreign object 113 is sandwiched between the valve body and the valve seat but not completely attached, the driving method determining means 103 is in a state where the position of the valve body has changed. May be determined that the foreign material 113 has adhered. Similarly, the driving method determination means 103 may determine that the foreign matter has been removed when it is determined that the position of the valve body is the position of the valve body to which the foreign matter 113 has not adhered, continuously several times. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the driving method determining means 103 calculates the difference Δ (n) = P (n) −P (n−1) at time T (n), and further, at time T (n + 1). , The difference Δ (n + 1) = P (n + 1) −P (n−1) is calculated. Then, the driving method determining unit 103 may determine that the foreign matter has adhered when it is determined that the calculated differences Δ (n) and Δ (n + 1) are both equal to or greater than the threshold value P _TH . Similarly, when determining whether or not the foreign object 113 has been removed, as shown in FIG. 13, the driving method determination unit 103 also determines that Δ (n + 5) = P (n + 5) −P (n−1) and Δ If it is determined that (n + 6) = P (n + 6) −P (n−1) is smaller than the threshold value _PTH , it may be determined that the foreign material 113 has been removed. In the above-described example, the driving method is determined when the determination condition is satisfied a plurality of times in succession. However, the driving method determination unit 103 performs driving when the determination condition is satisfied a plurality of times within a predetermined period. The method may be determined.

  Further, the driving method determining unit 103 is not limited to the above-described determination method, and may determine whether or not foreign matter has adhered by another determination method. For example, the determination unit may determine that the foreign matter has adhered to the valve body or the valve seat when the height position of the valve body from the valve seat exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Further, in the above determination method, the driving method determining means 103 determines whether or not the foreign matter 113 has adhered and whether or not the foreign matter 113 has been removed using the threshold value _PTH . Whether or not the foreign object 113 has adhered may be determined using the threshold value P _TH1 that is a positive value, and whether or not the foreign object 113 has been removed may be determined using the threshold value P _TH2 that is a negative value. .

That is, the driving method determination means 103 determines the adhesion of the foreign matter using the position information of the valve body and the threshold value P _TH1, and after the foreign matter 113 is attached, removes the foreign matter using the size of the foreign matter 113 and the threshold value P _TH2. Determine.

The drive method determining means 103 determines that before the foreign material 113 is attached, if the difference between the input valve body position and the valve body position input at the immediately preceding time is equal to or greater than _PTH1 , the foreign material is attached. judge. If it is determined that foreign matter has adhered, _PTH2 is set based on the size of the foreign matter 113. For example, in the case of FIG. 13, the driving method determining means 103 determines that the foreign object 113 has adhered at time T (n) and sets P _TH2 = −Δ (n) (= − (P2−P1)). .

In addition, after the foreign substance 113 is attached, the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the foreign substance has been removed when the difference is equal to or less than _PTH2 . For example, in the case of FIG. 13, at time T (n + 5), the driving method determination unit 103 determines that the foreign matter has been removed.

Also, in the case of determination based on the threshold values _PTH1 and _PTH2 , as described above, when the determination condition is satisfied a plurality of times within a predetermined period, or when the determination condition is satisfied a plurality of times continuously, Adhesion or removal of foreign matter may be determined.

  Other determination methods will be described. After the change of the driving method, the attached foreign matter 113 may not be removed by the foreign matter removal driving method, and the foreign matter 113 may further adhere to the place where the foreign matter 113 is attached (or in the vicinity thereof). In the example shown below, after determining that the foreign object 113 has adhered, the driving method determination unit 103 determines whether or not the foreign object 113 has further adhered in addition to whether or not the foreign object 113 has been removed.

At time T (n−1) in FIG. 16, the driving method determining unit 103 determines that the foreign material 113 has adhered in accordance with the determination method described above, and the driving method of the driving units 107B and 107C is changed to a driving method for removing foreign material ( It is assumed that the threshold value P _TH2 = −Δ (n−1) = − (P2−P1) is set. In FIG. 16, it is assumed that P3-P2 ≧ _PTH1 .

The driving method determining means 103 calculates a difference Δ (n) between the valve body position P3 at time T (n) and the valve body position P2 at time T (n−1) immediately before the time T (n). , Δ (n) = P3−P2 ≧ _PTH1, and it is further determined that the foreign matter 113 has adhered. At this time, the driving method determination unit 103 changes the threshold value _PTH2 for determining the removal of foreign matter. For example, the driving method determining unit 103 further determines that P _TH2 = −Δ (n−1) −Δ (n) = − (P2−P1) − (P3−3) based on the height Δ (n) of the adhered foreign matter 113. Change to P2).

When it is determined that the foreign object 113 has further adhered, the driving method determination unit 103 changes the driving method 1 currently set in the driving unit to the driving method 2. The driving method 2 drives the driving means so that the flow velocity of the liquid passing through the valve body and the valve seat is larger than that of the driving method 1. That is, for example, in FIG. 11, the driving speed of the valve body 1011B in the section D2 is made slower than the driving method 1. In addition, when the foreign matter 113 further adheres, S _{1 in the} equation (6) ′ increases, that is, the flow velocity v at which the foreign matter can be removed becomes small. Therefore, the driving method determination unit 103 changes the driving method. Alternatively, the driving method 1 may be maintained as it is.

After the change to the driving method 2, at time T (n + 3), the driving method determining means 103 calculates the difference between the input valve element position information P1 and the valve element position information P3 input immediately before. Since Δ (n + 3) ≦ _PTH2 , it is determined that the foreign material 113 has been removed. In consideration of the case where only the attached foreign matter 113 is removed, a threshold value P _TH3 for determining whether or not only the attached foreign matter 113 has been removed may be set. For example, at time T (n) in FIG. 16, the driving method determination unit 103 sets P _TH3 = −Δ (n) using the calculated Δ (n). Then, the driving method determining means 103 determines that only the attached foreign matter 113 has been removed when P _TH2 <Δ (n + 3) ≦ P _{TH3 at} time T (n + 3), and driving from the driving method 2 The method may be changed to the method 1, or the driving method 2 may be maintained.

In the above formula (6) ', the right side mu, [rho, _{p 0} is a parameter determined by the design values or the like of the liquid discharge apparatus _{1B, S 1, S 2,} m, F E is attached to the foreign matter 113 It is a unique parameter. The parameter unique to the foreign object 113 may be determined in advance based on the foreign object 113 that is assumed to adhere in the design stage of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B. Therefore, based on the design value of the liquid ejecting apparatus 1B and the size of the foreign matter 113 that is expected to adhere, the user of the liquid ejecting apparatus 1B uses the equation (6) 'to determine the flow rate of the liquid from which the foreign matter can be removed. A predicted value of v may be calculated, and a driving method for removing foreign substances that will have the calculated flow velocity v may be registered in the recording unit 1032 in advance. In this case, when it is determined that foreign matter has adhered, the driving method determination unit 103 may read the registered driving method for removing foreign matter from the storage unit 1032 and determine the driving method.

  Further, the liquid ejection apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment can measure the height (thickness) of the foreign matter 113 based on the position information of the valve body before and after the foreign matter is attached. Therefore, the user of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B may calculate the removable flow velocity v for each height of the foreign matter 113, and may register a plurality of foreign matter removal driving methods in the storage unit 1032. In this case, the driving method determining unit 103 may read out an appropriate driving method and determine a driving method for removing foreign matter according to the height of the foreign matter 113 measured by the driving state detecting units 102B and 102C.

In addition, S _{1 on the} right side of Expression (6) ′ is a parameter that varies depending on the height of the foreign material 113. Accordingly, the driving method determination unit 103 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the width w of the foreign material 113 (predicted value based on the foreign material 113 assumed to adhere) and using the height of the measured foreign matter 113, and calculates the flow velocity v which satisfy S ₁ and equation (6) ', the driving method for become foreign matter removing the calculated velocity can also be determined. Therefore, in such a case, the driving method determination unit 103 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B calculates the flow velocity v based only on the parameter predicting the right side of the equation (6) ′, and determines the driving method for removing foreign matter. Compared to the case, since the driving method can be determined in consideration of the actually measured height of the foreign material 113, the driving method for removing the foreign material can be determined more appropriately. In addition, as described above, the driving method determination unit 103 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B calculates the height of the measured foreign matter 113 when calculating the driving method with the flow rate v at which the foreign matter can be removed based on the measured height of the foreign matter 113. In addition, a driving method for removing foreign substances may be stored in the storage unit 1032. As a result, every time the driving method determining means 103 of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B determines that the foreign matter 113 has adhered, it is not necessary to calculate and determine the flow velocity v and the driving method again, and according to the measured height of the foreign matter 113. The driving method can be read from the storage means 1032 and the driving method can be determined.

  Further, the liquid ejection apparatus 1B of the present embodiment may include a control unit (not shown), and the control unit may control each unit of the liquid ejection apparatus 1B. The control means may be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Further, for example, the CPU of the control means may control each means based on a program read from the ROM. Further, the CPU of the control means may read the program from a storage medium storing a computer-readable program using a reading device (not shown) and execute control of each means.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the liquid ejection apparatus 1B can remove the attached foreign matter without affecting the liquid ejection. More specifically, the liquid ejection device 1B determines whether or not a foreign substance has adhered based on the position information of the valve body, and changes the driving method of the valve body according to the determination result, thereby controlling the liquid flow rate. Increase the size to remove foreign matter. Therefore, the liquid ejection apparatus 1B of the second embodiment can reduce the influence on the liquid ejection due to the foreign matter adhering to the valve body and the valve seat.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to each above-described embodiment. The present invention can be implemented based on modifications, substitutions, and adjustments of the embodiments. That is, the present invention includes various modifications and corrections that can be realized in accordance with all the disclosed contents and technical ideas of the present specification. In addition, the drawing reference numerals attached to each drawing are added to each element for convenience as an example for facilitating understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiment.

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Appendix 1)
A liquid ejection device for ejecting liquid to an object,
Opening and closing means for opening and closing the flow path of the liquid;
Driving state detecting means for detecting position information of the opening and closing means;
Based on the detected position information, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the opening / closing means, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, the flow rate of the liquid becomes the first flow rate. When the driving method of the opening / closing means is determined and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the opening / closing means is driven so that the flow rate of the liquid becomes a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate. Driving method determining means for determining a method;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The opening / closing means includes a valve body and a valve seat, and opens and closes the flow path by changing a distance between the valve body and the valve seat,
The driving method determining means includes
When it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the distance between the valve body and the valve seat is controlled so that the liquid passing through the valve body and the valve seat has the second flow velocity. The liquid ejection apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

(Appendix 3)
The opening / closing means opens the closed flow path at a predetermined time,
The driving method determining means includes
When it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven at a first speed to a position where the liquid passing through the flow path becomes maximum,
When it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven from the valve seat to a predetermined position at a second speed slower than the first speed, 3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein after the predetermined position, the valve body is driven to the maximum position at a third speed higher than the first speed.

(Appendix 4)
The liquid ejection apparatus according to appendix 2 or 3, wherein the drive state detection unit detects position information of the valve body as position information of the opening / closing unit.

(Appendix 5)
Further comprising storage means for storing position information of the valve body;
When the difference between the detected position information of the valve body and the past position information of the valve body stored in the storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the drive method determining means The liquid ejecting apparatus according to appendix 4, wherein it is determined that the foreign matter is attached.

(Appendix 6)
The liquid ejection apparatus according to appendix 4, wherein the driving method determining means determines that the foreign matter is attached when the detected position information of the valve body is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

(Appendix 7)
The storage means
Storing a driving method of the opening / closing means that becomes the second flow velocity for each position information of the valve body when the flow path of the liquid is closed;
The driving method determining means includes
According to the position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path detected by the driving state detecting means is closed, the driving means of the opening / closing means corresponding to the second flow velocity is selected from the storage means. Item 6. The liquid ejection device according to appendix 5, wherein

(Appendix 8)
The driving method determining means includes
Based on the position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path detected by the driving state detecting means is closed, the second flow velocity is calculated, and the driving method of the opening / closing means that becomes the second flow velocity is determined. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is stored in the storage unit.

(Appendix 9)
The driving method determining means performs the determination a plurality of times,
When it is determined continuously that the foreign matter is attached a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
The liquid ejection according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached. apparatus.

(Appendix 10)
The driving method determining means performs the determination a plurality of times,
If it is determined a predetermined number of times that the foreign matter is attached, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached for a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached.

(Appendix 11)
A liquid discharge method for discharging a liquid onto an object,
Opening and closing the flow path of the liquid by changing the distance between the valve body and the valve seat;
Detecting position information of the valve body;
Based on the detected position information of the valve body, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the valve body or the valve seat, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, the flow rate of the liquid is first. The opening / closing drive method is determined so that the flow rate of the liquid is equal to, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the opening / closing of the liquid is performed so that the flow rate of the liquid is a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. Determine how to drive the
A liquid discharge method.

(Appendix 12)
When it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the distance between the valve body and the valve seat is controlled so that the liquid passing through the valve body and the valve seat has the second flow velocity. The liquid discharging method according to appendix 11, wherein:

(Appendix 13)
Open the closed channel at a predetermined time,
When it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven at a first speed to a position where the liquid passing through the flow path becomes maximum,
When it is determined that the foreign matter has adhered, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven from the valve seat to a predetermined position at a second speed slower than the first speed. 13. The liquid discharging method according to claim 12, wherein after the predetermined position, the valve body is driven at a third speed higher than the first speed to the maximum position.

(Appendix 14)
Storing the position information of the valve body;
When the difference between the detected position information of the valve body and the past position information of the stored valve body is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached. 14. The liquid discharge method according to any one of appendices 11 to 13.

(Appendix 15)
14. The liquid ejection method according to any one of appendices 11 to 13, wherein when the detected position information of the valve body is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached.

(Appendix 16)
Storing the opening and closing drive method for the second flow velocity for each position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path is closed;
15. The opening / closing driving method for selecting the corresponding second flow velocity is selected according to the detected position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path is closed. Liquid ejection method.

(Appendix 17)
Calculating the second flow velocity based on the detected position information of the valve body when the flow path of the liquid is closed, and determining and storing the opening / closing drive method to be the second flow velocity; Item 18. The liquid discharge method according to appendix 16, wherein

(Appendix 18)
Make the determination multiple times,
When it is determined continuously that the foreign matter is attached a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
18. The liquid ejection according to any one of appendices 11 to 17, wherein when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached. Method.

(Appendix 19)
Make the determination multiple times,
If it is determined a predetermined number of times that the foreign matter is attached, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
18. The liquid ejection method according to any one of appendices 11 to 17, wherein it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached for a predetermined number of times or more.

(Appendix 20)
In the computer of the liquid ejection device that ejects liquid to the object,
An opening and closing process for opening and closing the liquid flow path by changing the distance between the valve body and the valve seat;
Driving state detection processing for detecting position information of the valve body;
Based on the detected position information of the valve body, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the valve body or the valve seat, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, the flow rate of the liquid is first. When the driving method in the opening / closing process is determined so that the flow rate of the liquid is determined, and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the flow rate of the liquid is set to be a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate. A driving method determining process for determining a driving method in the opening / closing process;
A program for a liquid ejection apparatus, characterized in that

(Appendix 21)
The driving method determination process includes:
When it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the distance between the valve body and the valve seat is controlled so that the liquid passing through the valve body and the valve seat has the second flow velocity. Item 21. The liquid ejection apparatus program according to appendix 20.

(Appendix 22)
The opening / closing process opens the closed flow path at a predetermined time,
The driving method determination process includes:
When it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven at a first speed to a position where the liquid passing through the flow path becomes maximum,
When it is determined that the foreign matter has adhered, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven from the valve seat to a predetermined position at a second speed slower than the first speed. The program for a liquid ejection device according to appendix 21, wherein after the predetermined position, the valve body is driven at a third speed higher than the first speed to the maximum position.

(Appendix 23)
A storage process for storing the position information of the valve body is further executed,
In the driving method determination process, the foreign matter is adhered when the difference between the detected position information of the valve body and the past position information of the stored valve body is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. 23. The liquid ejection apparatus program according to any one of appendices 20 to 22, wherein the program is determined.

(Appendix 24)
Any one of appendices 20 to 22, wherein the driving method determining process determines that the foreign matter is attached when the detected position information of the valve body is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The program of the liquid discharge apparatus as described in 2.

(Appendix 25)
The storing process is
Storing a driving method in the opening / closing process that becomes the second flow velocity for each position information of the valve body when the flow path of the liquid is closed;
The driving method determination process includes:
The driving method in the opening / closing process corresponding to the second flow velocity is selected according to the position information of the valve body when the flow path of the liquid detected in the driving state detection process is closed. 24. A liquid ejection apparatus program according to attachment 23.

(Appendix 26)
The driving method determination process includes:
Based on the position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path detected in the drive state detection process is closed, the second flow rate is calculated, and the drive method in the opening / closing process that becomes the second flow rate is determined. 26. The liquid ejection apparatus program according to appendix 25, wherein the program is stored.

(Appendix 27)
The driving method determination process performs the determination a plurality of times,
When it is determined continuously that the foreign matter is attached a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
27. The liquid ejection according to any one of appendices 20 to 26, wherein it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached when it is continuously determined that the foreign matter is not attached for a predetermined number of times or more. Device program.

(Appendix 28)
The driving method determination process performs the determination a plurality of times,
If it is determined a predetermined number of times that the foreign matter is attached, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
27. The liquid ejection apparatus program according to any one of appendices 20 to 26, wherein it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached for a predetermined number of times or more.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid discharge apparatus 101 Opening-closing means 1011 Valve body 1012 Valve seat 1013 Valve shaft 102 Driving state detection means 103 Driving method determination means 1031 Input means 1032 Storage means 1033 Output means 1034 Determination means 104 Liquid storage means 105 Liquid supply means 106 Liquid output means 107 driving means 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 flow path 113 foreign matter 114 force acting by dynamic pressure of liquid 115 force acting in the valve seat direction 116 friction force 117, 118 surface area

Claims (10)

A liquid ejection device for ejecting liquid to an object,
Opening and closing means for opening and closing the flow path of the liquid;
Driving state detecting means for detecting position information of the opening and closing means;
Based on the detected position information, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the opening / closing means, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, the flow rate of the liquid becomes the first flow rate. When the driving method of the opening / closing means is determined and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the opening / closing means is driven so that the flow rate of the liquid becomes a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate. Driving method determining means for determining a method;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: The opening / closing means includes a valve body and a valve seat, and opens and closes the flow path by changing a distance between the valve body and the valve seat,
The driving method determining means includes
When it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the distance between the valve body and the valve seat is controlled so that the liquid passing through the valve body and the valve seat has the second flow velocity. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The opening / closing means opens the closed flow path at a predetermined time,
The driving method determining means includes
When it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven at a first speed to a position where the liquid passing through the flow path becomes maximum,
When it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, when opening the flow path, the valve body is driven from the valve seat to a predetermined position at a second speed slower than the first speed, 3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein after the predetermined position, the valve body is driven to the maximum position at a third speed higher than the first speed.   The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the driving state detection unit detects position information of the valve body as position information of the opening / closing unit. Further comprising storage means for storing position information of the valve body;
When the difference between the detected position information of the valve body and the past position information of the valve body stored in the storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the drive method determining means The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein it is determined that the foreign matter is attached. The storage means
Storing a driving method of the opening / closing means that becomes the second flow velocity for each position information of the valve body when the flow path of the liquid is closed;
The driving method determining means includes
According to the position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path detected by the driving state detecting means is closed, the driving means of the opening / closing means corresponding to the second flow velocity is selected from the storage means. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The driving method determining means includes
Based on the position information of the valve body when the liquid flow path detected by the driving state detecting means is closed, the second flow velocity is calculated, and the driving method of the opening / closing means that becomes the second flow velocity is determined. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is stored in the storage unit. The driving method determining means performs the determination a plurality of times,
When it is determined continuously that the foreign matter is attached a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is attached,
8. The liquid according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached when it is continuously determined that the foreign matter is not attached for a predetermined number of times or more. Discharge device. A liquid discharge method for discharging a liquid onto an object,
Opening and closing the flow path of the liquid by changing the distance between the valve body and the valve seat;
Detecting position information of the valve body;
Based on the detected position information of the valve body, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the valve body or the valve seat, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, the flow rate of the liquid is first. The opening / closing drive method is determined so that the flow rate of the liquid is equal to, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the opening / closing of the liquid is performed so that the flow rate of the liquid is a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. Determine how to drive the
A liquid discharge method. In the computer of the liquid ejection device that ejects liquid to the object,
An opening and closing process for opening and closing the liquid flow path by changing the distance between the valve body and the valve seat;
Driving state detection processing for detecting position information of the valve body;
Based on the detected position information of the valve body, it is determined whether or not foreign matter is attached to the valve body or the valve seat, and when it is determined that the foreign matter is not attached, the flow rate of the liquid is first. When the driving method in the opening / closing process is determined so that the flow rate of the liquid is determined, and it is determined that the foreign matter is attached, the flow rate of the liquid is set to be a second flow rate higher than the first flow rate. A driving method determining process for determining a driving method in the opening / closing process;
A program for a liquid ejection apparatus, characterized in that

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